Vatatapika Rasayana: Meaning, Indications, Benefits, Advantages

Article by Dr Raghuram Y.S. MD (Ay) & Dr Manasa S, B.A.M.S

Vatatapika Rasayana is one among the twofold broad classification of Rasayana, the other one being Kutipraveshika Rasayana.

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Meaning

– Vata – air, breeze

– Atapa / Atapika – sunlight

– Rasayana – Rejuvenation method

Vatatapika Rasayana is a method of consuming Rasayana, wherein the person / patient subjected to Rasayana Therapy would consume the Rasayana while being exposed to Vata and Atapa.

It is not that the person should be compulsorily exposed to air and sunlight / heat, it means to tell that he or she can take Rasayana while leading a normal life being exposed to the natural forces, attending the normal chores of life and not being restricted to or confined to any restrictions as in Kutipraveshika type of Rasayana. Herein, he will not be restricted to stay within the four walls of an isolated ‘Rasayana Chamber’ specially constructed for consuming Rasayana as in Kutipraveshika Rasayana. In short, Vatatapika Rasayana is an ‘Outdoor’ Rejuvenation Program / Regimen whereas Kutipraveshika Rasayana is an ‘Indoor’ Rejuvenation Program / Regimen.

Indications

Below mentioned kinds of people are eligible for taking Vatatapika Rasayana –

– Those who cannot take or afford ‘Kutipraveshika Rasayana’

– Those who do not prefer being in the circle of restrictions and detach themselves from the regular life activities and still would wish to take Rasayana or are indicated to take Rasayana

– Those who do not have serious health issues which demand a stringent Rasayana Therapy, but Rasayana is a part of the treatment protocol

– Those who wish to take Rasayana for maintenance of health i.e. ‘the otherwise healthy individuals’

Benefits of Vatatapika Rasayana

Kutipraveshika Rasayana is the ‘superior’ method of Rasayana consumption though it comes in with many rigid rules, regulations and restrictions. So, anytime Vatatapika Rasayana is an inferior method of Rasayana consumption but still yields results in its own ways.

Vatatapika Rasayana also bestows all benefits of Rasayana but to smaller proportions.

Advantages of Vatatapika Rasayana

Advantages of Vatatapika Rasayana include –

– Easier to practice

– Does not demand serious restrictions or comes with easy-to-follow restrictions and simple rules

– Persons can consume Rasayana while doing his day-to-day activities, works and jobs

– Does not need customization as in Kutipraveshika type of Rasayana

– Cost efficient and affordable by everyone

Principles to be followed while consuming Vatatapika Rasayana

In spite of the Vatatapika Rasayana method of consuming Rasayana not being tagged with stringent restrictions, one still needs to follow the minimum possible principles so as to bestow optimum results from this form of Rasayana.

Undergoing Shodhana before taking Vatatapika Rasayana would enhance the benefits of Vatatapika Rasayana.

One should adhere to Achara Rasayana while taking Rasayana in Vatatapika method. This will put the person in the bracket of ‘diet and lifestyle’ related discipline. This will also include behavioural discipline and ethics.

It is also good to follow the Dinacharya, Rutucharya and Sadvrutta as explained in Ayurveda treatises.

One should also not avoid the adharaniya vegas – natural urges of the body and also should keep a check on dharaniya vegas – the mental and emotional highs.

Regularly following Pathya krama will help i.e. one should always be indulged in taking wholesome foods and activities.